Ant Mimics

Ant Mimics

A great many animals mimic the form, color, and movements of ants. Some gain protection from general predators that don't eat ants, some are specialized ant predators who trick prey ants into coming closer, and others copy ants for reasons that aren't well understood. This gallery showcases the diversity of mimics.

Sphecotypus niger

The spider Sphecotypus niger is an astonishingly accurate mimic of Pachycondyla villosa, both in form and in movement. The resemblance presumably protects the spider from predators, as its ant model has an extraordinarily painful sting.
Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador